Trumbo in mix for playing time

TEMPE, Ariz. – Young slugger Mark Trumbo could thrust himself into the picture for the Angels with a strong spring, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said on Sunday in his daily session with the media.

“Mark’s got an opportunity to win a lot of playing time,” Scioscia said. “We’re going to get him acclimated to first base to begin with and get him some work in the outfield.”

A pitcher and all-around athlete when he was drafted in 2004 out of Villa Park High School, about 15 minutes from Angel Stadium, Trumbo has been primarily a first baseman in six Minor League seasons.

He has played some corner outfield the past two seasons but was not given any starts there in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he put up more big numbers after leading Minor League baseball with his 36 homers for Triple-A Salt Lake last year. A number of fans would like to see the Angels give him a look at third base.

“They tried him as a third baseman [after he signed], and we’ve talked about revisiting it,” Scioscia said. “He’s still a work in progress at first base. His tool set lends itself to the outfield.”

Trumbo, who goes 6-foot-4 and about 220 pounds, gets great leverage and drives the ball with tremendous power. His ongoing challenge involves pitch recognition and not putting himself in bad counts. He launched mammoth shots in the Pacific Coast League that his Bees teammates are still talking about.

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Scioscia’s daily Kendry Morales report after an impressive hitting exhibition on Saturday: “There’s some work he needs to do. From the offensive side, that’s the least of his concerns. His first round of fielding drills was very encouraging. From the offensive side, I don’t think there’s any question he could swing the bat on Opening Day. Whether [or not] he can get through Spring Training with flying colors, there are definitely going to be some DH days for him to get a little different look.”

Scioscia’s daily Scott Kazmir report: “We’re seeing him throw the ball with better velocity and less effort, which should theoretically help his command. We’re seeing arm speed creating better spin on his slider. His changeup is a really good pitch. It’s early, but he never threw the ball last spring as well as he is now.”

Scioscia on Maicer Izturis’ durability issues: “He played 114 games two years ago and probably could have played 130. This guy works out as hard as anybody in the clubhouse. He’s experimented with trying to back off, with different routines. He’s had a little issue with durability. If we get anywhere from 90 to 110 games from him, we’re going to be very happy. If we get more, we’ve got to consider it a bonus.”

Scioscia on Mike Trout’s ETA with the Angels: “This guy’s as far advanced as anybody the past few generations we’ve seen. He’s got a great head. We’re excited to see him as a player, but we’re not expecting him to run routes in center like Torii Hunter did or run the bases like Chone Figgins did. There’s growth he needs before he’s a Major League baseball player. This guy’s got a plan every day. This guy’s going to be a very good player very soon. What his numbers are going to be in 10 years, nobody knows.”

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The second full day of workouts on Sunday was cut short by heavy rains that cleared the fields soon after the players had gone out to work. Brandon Wood began to swing on soft toss for the first time after experiencing some back stiffness.

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5 Comments

Good Afternoon,,, I’m a big Bobby Abreu fan and I, for one, really want to see Bobby back in 2012, his option will vest with 433 P.A.-(Bobby’s avg: 699 P.A. per year)– that being said, do you think the Angels will limit Bobby’s P.A.’s for the sole reason to make sure his option does Not vest? I don’t want to see that happen, But I also understand it’s a possibility… I Believe Bobby Abreu is going to have a Great 2011 and Still be very productive for 2012………. So, I’m wondering if I’m alone in thinking that the Angels would sit him down simply to limit his Plate Appearances???
Thank You…

Good Afternoon,,, I’m a big Bobby Abreu fan and I, for one, really want to see Bobby back in 2012, his option will vest with 433 P.A.-(Bobby’s avg: 699 P.A. per year)– that being said, do you think the Angels will limit Bobby’s P.A.’s for the sole reason to make sure his option does Not vest? I don’t want to see that happen, But I also understand it’s a possibility… I Believe Bobby Abreu is going to have a Great 2011 and Still be very productive for 2012………. So, I’m wondering if I’m alone in thinking that the Angels would sit him down simply to limit his Plate Appearances???
Thank You…

Trumbo at third, hadn’t thought about that. Makes things interesting come trade time later this season concerning Callaspo, Izzy, and Wood. If all three are having decent seasons and Trumbo is ready to come up and take over at the hot corner…..could be interesting. I can’t see him coming up to play that position though without some significant time in the minors to learn it. I guess the key indicator on the clubs intentions is that if Trumbo doesn’t make the opening day line up and is sent down, seeing where they play him may broadcast some intentions. Keep the updates coming buddy, I’ll be there after the allstar break!!

Good Afternnon,,,, I watched the game against the Reds today with Brandon Wood starting at 3rd base and I liked what I saw, compared to last year.. Last year he kind of looked Intimidated and Un-easy at the plate and yet today he looked like a completely different player, at the plate.. His face said it all, Confident, thats what I saw from him today, that and if I’m correct, it looks like he has opened up his stance a little and had his hands and bat a little bit higher and actually hit a double with 2 strikes against him.. Now as much as I’d like to see him turn the page from last year and have a great year whether at 3rd or where ever,, Do you think he will be able to not only make the 25 man roster but actually get the opportunity to play?? Because I am rooting for Brandon to be able to do just that…….. Thank You………

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